Natural Justice Legal Officer Job in Kenya

Call for Applications: Legal Officer, Kenya

Who is Natural Justice?

Natural Justice: Lawyers for Communities and the Environment is a young and fast-paced non-profit organisation specialising in human rights and environmental law. We are a pioneering international team of legal practitioners, who conduct comprehensive research on environmental and human rights law, support communities and local organisations, provide technical advice to governments and intergovernmental organisations, and engage in key international processes in pursuit of environmental and social justice.
Natural Justice currently works in Africa, Asia and Latin America, with its headquarters in Cape Town and regional offices in Malaysia, India, and USA.

What are we looking for?

Natural Justice has been working with communities, NGOs and government agencies in Kenya since 2009. Due to increasing demand from our partners, we are seeking a full-time lawyer to lead and co-coordinate our work in Kenya. The successful candidate will be based in Nairobi and will be expected to begin work immediately.

What’s on offer?

Natural Justice is a close-knit and nurturing collective that places emphasis on facilitating opportunities for the professional and personal growth of its members. Natural Justice will offer a competitive salary commensurate with skill and experience. Joining Natural Justice will also give the successful candidate a chance to work with a passionate and highly professional global team in a fast-paced environment and gain valuable international experience.

If we’ve got you interested…read on. If not, but you can think of someone who might be…pass on. If neither of the above…then at the very least:

Learn more         http://naturaljustice.org/ and www.community-protocols.org
See our work         http://www.natural-justice.blogspot.com/        
Follow us         https://www.facebook.com/naturaljustice

What will the role include?

Working closely with co-coordinators in Kenya and South Africa; developing strategies, work plans and reports for activities across Kenya; providing legal advice to indigenous and/or marginalised communities and their supporting local organisations (including supporting the development and use of community protocols); supporting communities and community partners in strategizing and addressing infrastructure or extractive industry projects, community land and resource laws; supervising and supporting staff and legal fellows; conducting research and developing community-friendly legal empowerment materials; providing technical advice to government agencies; further developing partnerships with civil society organisations and networks; and organising and attending relevant meetings and workshops within Kenya, Africa and internationally.Minimum skills and experience required:A LLB, or equivalent degree;Demonstrated expertise in human rights, environmental and/or land law;Understanding of, and proficiency in the Kenyan legal system and institutional arrangements;At least two years of experience working with communities and/or civil society organisations or networks, particularly in Kenya;Experience with conducting primary and/or desktop research and preparing clear and analytical reports;Experience or keen interest in some aspect of international law or policy (for example, multilateral environmental agreements, human rights, or grievance mechanisms);Proven track record with financial management and fundraising;Strong oral and written communication skills, including through online platforms;Fluency in English and KiswahiliDesirable traits and attributes:Professionalism, strong work ethic, and personal initiative (“a self-starter”);Familiarity with interdisciplinary and/or participatory approaches and tools;Keen interest in and commitment to advancing the rights of minority/indigenous communities, particularly in relation to their territories, areas and natural resources;At least two years of experience in project management;Ability to work both in teams and independently, with little supervision;Ability to engage with a range of stakeholders; andWillingness to travel on a regular basis, and work with local organisations and communities in remote areasDeadline: 18 April 2014, 17:00 GMT

Please email your application to Gino Cocchiaro (gino@naturaljustice.org) with the job title in the subject line.

Include a motivation letter that indicates why you feel you are the best candidate for this position, a detailed CV with three references, and maximum three samples of your past work (for example, articles or research reports). 

Please ensure that your application as a whole speaks to the required skills and experience and desirable traits and attributes listed above.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Best of luck!

The Natural Justice Team